Cycling through better PCR devices

If there's one invention that science historians and archeologists will dig up and study in awe centuries from now, it's the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Invented by Kary Mullis in 1983, PCR has been instrumental to accelerating and enabling research on gene function and expression. But, such an important invention isn't as technologically complicated as most would assume. PCR operates on the simple concept that DNA strands denature and anneal in response to temperature. Thermal cyclers, the workhorses of PCR, heat and cool DNA samples. With two decades of experience and development, thermal cyclers now come equipped with various bells and whistles to allow for faster and more reliable amplification.

Earlier thermal cyclers relied on large heating blocks into which microcentrifuge tubes are placed. But, this mode of heating is slow and incompatible with the current emphasis on high-throughput speed. Newer cyclers have come up with more efficient ways of heating and cooling, drastically reducing the time for amplification. In addition, some companies have designed their own reaction tubes that have thinner walls or with different plastics to improve heat transfer rates.

Many thermal cyclers are now also built to accomodate plates, including the 96-well, 384-well and 1536-well plates that are currently favored by those involved in drug discovery research. Heating lids apply the necessary pressure to prevent the reaction from evaporating. Some cyclers are equipped with robotics to aid in the removal of the plate following amplification. And, like many laboratory devices, many thermal cyclers are operated with software installed in a personal computer. User-friendly graphical interfaces make it easy to input parameters.

Thermal cyclers, such as those below, come in all sizes and shapes. From personal cyclers to larger industrial ones, there's sure to be one exactly for you. If not, many cyclers enable researchers to customize various details governing the amplifications.

The Px2 Thermal Cycler is the most advanced personal thermal cycler developed by Thermo to date. Designed to offer performance, accuracy and simplicity in thermal cycling, the Px2 incorporates a number of customer driven features built up on years of PCR experience.The combination of quality engineering, accurate temperature control and user friendly software ensures that the Px2 Thermal Cycler (Px2) is an excellent choice for scientists using PCR as an integral technique in their laboratories. Unlike most other thermal cyclers, Thermo offers 5 control modes for precision temperature control, including active tube control for in sample measurement. In addition, it is offered with a choice of six interchangeable blocks, including the latest gradient cycling format.

Faster speeds, highest precision, more user-friendliness and absolute reliability united within a flexible concept: this is the definition of the Mastercycler ep system. In the past few years nucleic acid research has been developing dynamically. The same applies to the capabilities required of PCR Systems. To keep pace with these technological advances, the challenges of tomorrow must be considered today. The Mastercycler ep system is today’s answer for the future.

The new MyiQ real-time PCR detection system offers an affordable alternative for the detection of common green fluorescent dyes such as FAM and SYBR Green I. This system interfaces directly with the iCycler thermal cycler, offering superior features such as thermal gradient and Peltier-effect driven performance. The MyiQ real-time PCR detection system is a perfect solution for those just getting started with this technology as well as those looking for additional instruments to handle increasing routine assay demands. This system was developed by the same experts at Bio-Rad who have pioneered performance in real-time PCR. The MyiQ delivers the same excellent-quality data as the iCycler iQ real-time detection system.

The LightCycler 2.0 System is the newest real-time PCR instrument offered by Roche Applied Science. This new instrument offers six detection channels that provide fluorescence detection at 530, 560, 610, 640, 670, and 710nm. Perform rapid PCR due to heating and cooling by air and working with glass capillaries. Virtually any published protocol or chemistry can be reproduced. Reaction volumes for each application: 100ul and 20ul capillaries are available. A new software system - LightCycler 4.0 is provided with the System. The LightCycler 4.0 software system provides enhanced data management, user management capabilities as well as multiple analysis modules.

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